what is a good salary if you are in your early-mid 20's?

[8baller8]

inb4 beyonders who make 10k a day

Anyway, in this day and age, what would you consider a "good" salary in Calgary?

[FraserB]

In what industry? How much experience? How much field time?

Too many factors IMO.

But, to start the shit show, I'll say $70k

[8baller8]

Originally posted by FraserB
In what industry? How much experience? How much field time?

Too many factors IMO.

But, to start the shit show, I'll say $70k

Yes, I do realize I am going to start a shit storm.

I'd say you are probably right with your ballpark number.

[Tik-Tok]

In Calgary, yes $70g, anywhere else, that isn't good pay, that's fantastic pay.

[8baller8]

Originally posted by Tik-Tok
In Calgary, yes $70g, anywhere else, that isn't good pay, that's fantastic pay.

Holy crap, maybe I have unrealistic standards then. I know more then a few people who make upwards of 80K @ about 24-25 and many who make 100+ (rig workers, field engineers, etc.) 70K seems good but not amazing by any stretch. In my opinion of course.

[sabad66]

60-70k base is pretty good for a 20-25 yr old in Calgary.

[AE92_TreunoSC]

It's all relative. 70 is a good number.

If you live at home its a FANTASTIC number lol.

[Darkane]

20 years old 3rd class Power Engineer - 150k+.

Mid 20's you're 200k+

Does that count?

[FraserB]

If you count field jobs, there is no number because it will vary too much.

$70k for city based office work.

[BerserkerCatSplat]

Originally posted by FraserB
In what industry? How much experience? How much field time?

Too many factors IMO.

But, to start the shit show, I'll say $70k

I'd say for a non-field position, $70K is pretty reasonable.

[Sugarphreak]

...

[EK69]

Depends on ur job too
70k for oil and gas related engineering stuff is probably good (not counting field work)
Teachers make shit compared to that lol :nut:

[DeleriousZ]

I knew I shouldn't have clicked on this thread.

[Darkane]

Originally posted by EK69
Depends on ur job too
70k for oil and gas related engineering stuff is probably good (not counting field work)
Teachers make shit compared to that lol :nut:

I thought a 3-4 year teacher is 70 ish?

At least for a 6 year education it is.

Edit that would put you 27-28 years old. yeah weak lol.

[NoMoreG35]

Can't count rig workers... My buddy makes 1400/day working as a fresh graduated geologist...

[Tik-Tok]

Originally posted by 8baller8


Holy crap, maybe I have unrealistic standards then.

If you grew up in Calgary, then yes you do, lol.

The national median HOUSEHOLD income is around $70g, that's everyone in the working world, from 18 year olds to 65 year olds, for the household, not just one person.

You'll always here about people in Calgary making more, but as a basic working in-city "good pay", $70g is about right.

[Sugarphreak]

...

[UndrgroundRider]

That question is way too ambiguous. There's no point in answering it, even if someone could.

[asp integra]

Originally posted by DeleriousZ
I knew I shouldn't have clicked on this thread.

haha ditto

[Asian_defender]

Average household salary in Alberta is 85k but that was back in 2010. Fair to say that it should be around 89k now if you factor in wage increases.

http://www.statcan.gc.ca/tables-tableaux/sum-som/l01/cst01/famil108a-eng.htm

I would say if you only work 1 job a good salary would be 60k. Now thats more realistic for a non O/G person.
Mostly people lack experience and are fresh out of university. I don't know any fresh accounts/engineers/nurses making 70k in their early 20's and straight out of school.
If we are talking about 28ish and up, now thats a different story. Someone with their certs (P. Eng., CA, P. Geo. etc) I'll agree with Johnny Bravo and say if you can't pull in a 100k then your lazy

[Kloubek]

One's opinion of "good pay" would also vary.

I think many would feel I made good money. But compared to the estimates here of "good pay", it appears I really don't. And if rig jobs, etc are factored into the median, then I'm pretty sure I'm getting paid shit.

[Redlined_8000]

Whats a "good" salary? I would say 80k a year is good for Calgary. But 100k+ is where you want to be :)

[dirtsniffer]

All my felllow First year grads in an office job make 70k+

[Sugarphreak]

...

[Cos]

.

[Asian_defender]

Originally posted by Sugarphreak
Colour me impressed, not many people get that reference!

Or maybe they do and just never say anything, haha

Use to watch that show as a kid. Absolutely loved it

[zieg]

Originally posted by DeleriousZ
I knew I shouldn't have clicked on this thread.

Same. Pretty sure we both hold the same designation..

[NoMoreG35]

Originally posted by dirtsniffer
All my felllow First year grads in an office job make 70k+

What field?

[NoMoreG35]

Originally posted by ZiG-87


Same. Pretty sure we both hold the same designation..

Pfft designation means nothing in this kind of thread :nut:

[zieg]

mmh, i guess. I feel like I should be getting more than I am but the salary survey says I'm about right. sigh.

[G]

Originally posted by NoMoreG35


Pfft designation means nothing in this kind of thread :nut:

Yeah screw the designation what is your e-dick size?

[NoMoreG35]

Originally posted by G


Yeah screw the designation what is your e-dick size?

Smaller than yours apparently :dunno:

[DeleriousZ]

Originally posted by ZiG-87


Same. Pretty sure we both hold the same designation..

I don't really know what I am... cadd monkey? drawing guy? dude that does stuff on computers for people that don't read what prints out of them?

[rx7boi]

I could be making 75k+ bonus if I stayed in IT but I made the switch and decided to pursue my passion in Psychology helping military and RCMP with PTSD so now I only make 65k :(

On the bright side I'm much happier :D

I have enough to pay the bills and buy toys for the car haha.

[Marsh]

7 figures by 35 or bust:D

jk...sort of

[bcylau]

salary at mid 20's is the wrong question......

would you rather make 150k now or $1-2M in your 30's or 40's

always long term....

[JfuckinC]

Originally posted by DeleriousZ


I don't really know what I am... cadd monkey? drawing guy? dude that does stuff on computers for people that don't read what prints out of them?

Then you should be making pretty decent bank? Switch to contractor and find a new job :thumbsup:

[Type_S1]

Originally posted by bcylau
salary at mid 20's is the wrong question......

would you rather make 150k now or $1-2M in your 30's or 40's

always long term....

So someone who makes below average salary in mid 20's will all of a sudden bank 7 figures in their 30's....not quite sure that's how it works.

I'd say as a UNI grad in o&g, 70k is average. 5 years experience should easily be 6 figures + bonus. So depending how quick you grad, 6 figures in mid 20's should be what the o&g ppl should expect unless you suck at your job.

As for other industries....significantly less.

[UndrgroundRider]

Originally posted by bcylau
salary at mid 20's is the wrong question......

would you rather make 150k now or $1-2M in your 30's or 40's

always long term....

Go on...

[themack89]

This thread makes me realize how lucky we are as Albertans to have these opportunities.

@byclau... long term, medium term, or near term is a personal value question. It's not a fact like you make it seem to be.

[BigMass]

this isn't 1950 where every year you get a raise until you retire. One year you might make 100k, the next you might be unemployed, the year after you might only make 50k because the economy is down and nobody is paying stupid wages, then a few years later you're making 120k then back to 60k, back to being unemployed, then you may never make 120k again because oil and gas is in the shitter, etc... Only people talking about never ending cash in oil and gas are kids that that graduated into a strong economy and have never lived through a real recession.

[dirtsniffer]

Originally posted by NoMoreG35
What field?

mech eng




Originally posted by BigMass
this isn't 1950 where every year you get a raise until you retire. One year you might make 100k, the next you might be unemployed, the year after you might only make 50k because the economy is down and nobody is paying stupid wages, then a few years later you're making 120k then back to 60k, back to being unemployed, then you may never make 120k again because oil and gas is in the shitter, etc... Only people talking about never ending cash in oil and gas are kids that that graduated into a strong economy and have never lived through a real recession.

Every time I read your post I always hear the word 'hrumph'at the end.

[ExtraSlow]

Not to mention that with a lot of oil and gas jobs, non cash compensation is a big part of your total package. If you are given thousands of shares, that could mean a huge windfall, or sometimes, it means SFA. I've seen it both ways, and a lot of that is out of your control. It's my opinion that people focus way too much on salary.

[msommers]

Originally posted by ExtraSlow
It's my opinion that people focus way too much on salary.

No kidding. But this is Calgary, I except nothing less.

[revelations]

Originally posted by Sugarphreak
In Calgary: 100K

In Vancouver: 30K

In Victoria: 25K

**In Nanaimo, good luck**


:nut:

[Sugarphreak]

...

[BigMass]

Originally posted by ExtraSlow
Not to mention that with a lot of oil and gas jobs, non cash compensation is a big part of your total package. If you are given thousands of shares, that could mean a huge windfall, or sometimes, it means SFA. I've seen it both ways, and a lot of that is out of your control. It's my opinion that people focus way too much on salary.

that's IF you work for a producer. For every producer you have 100 EPCM companies that will laugh in your face if you ask for stock options or benefits. Personally, I don't know anybody that gets benefits, stocks, retirement, bonuses etc. They're just contractors working desk jobs. Be it engineer, designer etc. you only get a flat hourly rate and that's it

[Manhattan]

OP, do something you enjoy or good at and the money will follow. I suppose there's some usefulness to benchmark against others. But like others have mentioned your question is way too ambiguous. What profession/industry are we talking? Base pay/bonus incentives/stock options/total compensation? If you're looking for average overall wages for someone your age there's plenty of data on statscan and it's probably half what most people here are claiming. Someone reading this and making $40-50K or less is probably less enthuiastic about sharing that info.

[Neil4Speed]

Originally posted by Asian_defender
I would say if you only work 1 job a good salary would be 60k. Now thats more realistic for a non O/G person.

Further to that, It is really dependant on the job in OG. People assume that in OG everyone from the washroom cleaners to the admin assistants are clearing 6 figures with options...


Originally posted by BigMass


that's IF you work for a producer. For every producer you have 100 EPCM companies that will laugh in your face if you ask for stock options or benefits. Personally, I don't know anybody that gets benefits, stocks, retirement, bonuses etc. They're just contractors working desk jobs. Be it engineer, designer etc. you only get a flat hourly rate and that's it

Exactly.

[BigMass]

Originally posted by Manhattan
OP, do something you enjoy or good at and the money will follow. I suppose there's some usefulness to benchmark against others. But like others have mentioned your question is way too ambiguous. What profession/industry are we talking? Base pay/bonus incentives/stock options/total compensation? If you're looking for average overall wages for someone your age there's plenty of data on statscan and it's probably half what most people here are claiming. Someone reading this and making $40-50K or less is probably less enthuiastic about sharing that info.

agreed. $40-50k on staff is pretty good starting out if you only have a SAIT tech degree. That's roughly $25/hour plus paid stats and a couple weeks vacation time. Very respectable and easy to live on if you're single.

[flipstah]

Originally posted by 8baller8
inb4 beyonders who make 10k a day

Anyway, in this day and age, what would you consider a "good" salary in Calgary?

Enough to pay bills. :)

It's what you make of it, really. Plus, it a huge chunk of it goes to the government anyways if you exceed a bracket so eff that noise.

[01RedDX]

.

[dirtsniffer]

Originally posted by BigMass


that's IF you work for a producer. For every producer you have 100 EPCM companies that will laugh in your face if you ask for stock options or benefits. Personally, I don't know anybody that gets benefits, stocks, retirement, bonuses etc. They're just contractors working desk jobs. Be it engineer, designer etc. you only get a flat hourly rate and that's it

Most of my friends get most if not all of those.

[Mitsu3000gt]

Early 20's O&G Desk job will be around $65-75k. Any less and I'd be surprised.

Late 20's it's not uncommon to get 75-100+ if you're good at your job IMO.

All the stories you hear about 20 yr olds making $150K/yr are out in the field having the worst time ever in the middle of nowhere working 12hr days. I wouldn't even do that for $300K a year, it's so shitty.

And teachers make pretty good money, considering they get roughly 10 weeks holiday every year + stat days, stress days, conventions you don't have to attend, etc. $98K for around 9 months work is pretty good, but you don't start at that obviously. It's more like $130K if you even out the time off.

Also when some people talk about their salaries, they don't tell you their base, they include all bonuses, benefits, RRSP match, etc. so it sounds like they may make more than they do.

[flipstah]

Originally posted by 01RedDX


So much bullshit on here I feel like I need to clean my screen.

You mean you DON'T make 200k/year after taxes? :rofl:

[AudiPWR]

How old are most of the people posting? Most of my friends with desk jobs at O&G companies are making between $55k-70k out of school.

There is very few of us that are making more than that fresh out of school unless your in fort mcmurray, where you can make 140k out of school but hate life (I know, I've done it).

[01RedDX]

.

[DeleriousZ]

Originally posted by BigMass


agreed. $40-50k on staff is pretty good starting out if you only have a SAIT tech degree. That's roughly $25/hour plus paid stats and a couple weeks vacation time. Very respectable and easy to live on if you're single.

Yep that's about where I started with a sait diploma working in calgary for an OG company.

[Canmorite]

Originally posted by Mitsu3000gt
Early 20's O&G Desk job will be around $65-75k. Any less and I'd be surprised.



What I'm seeing for new grads now is $58-$63.5K for some friends who recently started. Finance and accounting roles in O&G.

[lasimmon]

Originally posted by Canmorite


What I'm seeing for new grads now is $58-$63.5K for some friends who recently started. Finance and accounting roles in O&G.

$65-$75K seems pretty standard for engineers out of school in OG desk jobs

[Mitsu3000gt]

Originally posted by Canmorite


What I'm seeing for new grads now is $58-$63.5K for some friends who recently started. Finance and accounting roles in O&G.

Yeah, depends on the field I guess. Engineers might be on the upper end ($60-70K) where a business grad or someone working an "analyst" position might be more like $55-60 as you describe.

My first out of school job 7 years ago was around $72K, but I had no benefits or bonuses. I'd have rather made $65K and had benefits and the chance at a bonus.

[FraserB]

Originally posted by AudiPWR
How old are most of the people posting? Most of my friends with desk jobs at O&G companies are making between $55k-70k out of school.

There is very few of us that are making more than that fresh out of school unless your in fort mcmurray, where you can make 140k out of school but hate life (I know, I've done it).


I’m 26

Started out at an EPCM in a non-engineering role making mid-$50s. Still with the same overall company and same department, just an intermediate now and work out on client sites.

I caught a lucky break or two in being put on a kick-ass team to start and then an under-staffed team and was apparently good enough that I got what I wanted when I asked for raises and different assignments.

[LUDELVR]

Originally posted by Mitsu3000gt

conventions you don't have to attend, etc.

I always go to the conventions! If you're single it's better than a single's bar. :devil: :devil:

[G]

Originally posted by flipstah


Plus, it a huge chunk of it goes to the government anyways if you exceed a bracket so eff that noise.

I hear this all the time and I don't understand it. So you rather maker less in order to pay less taxes? I rather make more even if I have to pay more taxes where at the end of the day I still take home more bacon.

[flipstah]

Originally posted by G


I hear this all the time and I don't understand it. So you rather maker less in order to pay less taxes? I rather make more even if I have to pay more taxes where at the end of the day I still take home more bacon.

Of course I'd love to make more but the pain is more manageable when you're in the smaller bracket lol.

As long as you're in the middle of a tax bracket, it's how you'd feel, but if you just cross that next bracket by a dollar, it hurts!

So if you're gonna get a raise, it better be a big one! :thumbsup:

[DeleriousZ]

Originally posted by G


I hear this all the time and I don't understand it. So you rather maker less in order to pay less taxes? I rather make more even if I have to pay more taxes where at the end of the day I still take home more bacon.

That really depends. If you're right at the top of one tax bracket, and you get a small raise that bumps you up into the next bracket, you most likely will be taking home the same or less than you were before the raise.

[AudiPWR]

Lol. You guys don't have a clue about tax brackets do you.

[dirtsniffer]

uhhhh. you guys know you only pay the extra percent on income that''s in the ghier bracket.


numbers outta my ass here.

you pay:
15% on the first 20 grand
20% on the next 40 grand
25% on the next 40 grand.

If you make 61k you dont pay 25% tax on the whole lot. just on 1000 of it. the rest would be taxed at the lower, appropriate, rate.

How would getting paid more make you take home less?


edit: what audi power said.

[Rarasaurus]

I always laugh when people say they make more money but pay more taxes so they actually make less.....

If you are a dollar into the next tax bracket only that dollar gets taxed at the higher rate. So you make 70 cents more then you would have before!

[lasimmon]

Isn't it just money made after a certain amount gets taxed more?

Shouldn't matter where in the bracket you fall...

15% on the first $43,561 of taxable income, +
22% on the next $43,562 of taxable income (on the portion of taxable income over $43,561 up to $87,123), +
26% on the next $47,931 of taxable income (on the portion of taxable income over $87,123 up to $135,054), +
29% of taxable income over $135,054.

^^ They all beat me to it..

[DeleriousZ]

Guess you only have to worry about it when you make enough to worry about it ;)

[AudiPWR]

Originally posted by dirtsniffer
uhhhh. you guys know you only pay the extra percent on income that''s in the ghier bracket.


numbers outta my ass here.

you pay:
15% on the first 20 grand
20% on the next 40 grand
25% on the next 40 grand.

If you make 61k you dont pay 25% tax on the whole lot. just on 1000 of it. the rest would be taxed at the lower, appropriate, rate.

How would getting paid more make you take home less?


edit: what audi power said.

:werd:

[G]

Originally posted by flipstah


Of course I'd love to make more but the pain is more manageable when you're in the smaller bracket lol.

As long as you're in the middle of a tax bracket, it's how you'd feel, but if you just cross that next bracket by a dollar, it hurts!

So if you're gonna get a raise, it better be a big one! :thumbsup:

A Quick Primer on Tax Brackets

At the end of the year, when you do your taxes, you’re actually calculating a number called your taxable income. This is the amount of income you brought in that the government actually takes income tax out of. The higher that number, the higher tax bracket you find yourself in.

For example, let’s say you’re a single person. In 2006, the United States federal tax brackets were:
10%: from $0 to $7,550
15%: from $7,551 to $30,650
25%: from $30,651 to $74,200
28%: from $74,201 to $154,800
33%: from $154,801 to $336,550
35%: $336,551 and above

If you make $50,000 in taxable income, then $7,550 is taxed at 10%, $23,100 is taxed at 15%, and the rest, $19,350, is taxed at 25%. That means you pay a total of $9,057.50 in income tax. $40,942.50 is yours to keep.

Now, if you got a raise and made $60,000 in taxable income, then $7,550 is taxed at 10%, $23,100 is taxed at 15%, and the rest, $29,350, is taxed at 25%. Notice that there’s only one difference here: that extra $10,000 is taxed at the 25% rate, but nothing else changes. You pay a total of $11,557.50 in income tax, and $48,442.50 is yours to keep. Your raise, after taxes, is $7,500.

[FraserB]

So basically I would pay $6,535 on the first $43,561 I make and then $9,584 on the next $43,562. So my total tax bill should be $16,120 for the year? Assuming make the whole $87k

[Rarasaurus]

Those are federal rates only. Alberta is 10% on top of that for provincial but no tax brackets. Just 10% across the board.

So 25% then 32% and so on.

[themack89]

I have an excel sheet somewhere which plugs in Hourly/yearly pay and spits out take home pay if anyone is interested (well, it's not a model...but the numbers came from an external model which included CPP and EI, etc). I'd post it now but I'm at work.

[lint]

http://taxtips.ca/personal_income_tax.htm

[KappaSigma]

tax rates are all marginal. You dont take home less if you are paid more and are in a higher bracket.

Thats just for stupid people who have no clue.

[flipstah]

Originally posted by AudiPWR
Lol. You guys don't have a clue about tax brackets do you.

Lol I just follow what the sheet tells me to do:

http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/tx/ndvdls/fq/txrts-eng.html

Based on G's numbers, it just sucks that my raise lost 25% of its purchasing power. :(

[DeleriousZ]

hahaha so much anger. Now I know to troll people in finances if I want to get a rise :love:

[georgemagana]

Originally posted by Mitsu3000gt
Early 20's O&G Desk job will be around $65-75k. Any less and I'd be surprised.

Late 20's it's not uncommon to get 75-100+ if you're good at your job IMO.

All the stories you hear about 20 yr olds making $150K/yr are out in the field having the worst time ever in the middle of nowhere working 12hr days. I wouldn't even do that for $300K a year, it's so shitty.

And teachers make pretty good money, considering they get roughly 10 weeks holiday every year + stat days, stress days, conventions you don't have to attend, etc. $98K for around 9 months work is pretty good, but you don't start at that obviously. It's more like $130K if you even out the time off.

Also when some people talk about their salaries, they don't tell you their base, they include all bonuses, benefits, RRSP match, etc. so it sounds like they may make more than they do.

Not all field work is like you describe it or in the middle of no where...

[8baller8]

So, the consensus is that 70k is good?

[Sugarphreak]

...

[dirtsniffer]

Originally posted by 8baller8
So, the consensus is that 70k is good?

As long as there is a potential 20% bonus. Rrsp matching and paid benefits

[msommers]

Originally posted by Sugarphreak
People sweat it too much though, work income is negligible after about 70K. After that it just provides seed money for investing, that is where I have really done well over the years.

Or uncontrollable, irresponsible spending. I'm a case in point :rofl:

[flipstah]

Originally posted by msommers


Or uncontrollable, irresponsible spending. I'm a case in point :rofl:

Shut up, you went to Africa! :hitit:

[Sugarphreak]

...

[schocker]

Originally posted by Sugarphreak
People sweat it too much though, work income is negligible after about 70K. After that it just provides seed money for investing, that is where I have really done well over the years.
Teach me your ways Sugarphreak :D
I started at EPCM at 24 as it took me forever to find a job after school so I am on my way but I dream of six figures haha

[Darkane]

Originally posted by georgemagana


Not all field work is like you describe it or in the middle of no where...

Lol.

Very few people understand our positions, that's why is so funny.

[msommers]

Well what do you do then!

[Darkane]

Originally posted by msommers
Well what do you do then!

Power Engineer.

:love:

[mrsingh]

I studied Engineering Technology and started working in 2004 for $13/hr in BC in a mixed field and office role in the construction project industry. Seven years ago (my mid 20's) I moved to Alberta and switched into a similar role in O&G, I was making $63,000 with an industrial constructor and thought I'd won the lottery.

I now work for a producer in town in Calgary and make significantly more than that. The more you make the less it impresses, in the end we are very fortunate here in Alberta to even talk about salaries such as these. I've learned to not get too hung up on it. Save and invest for the future, as easy as it came it can go.

[Feruk]

Originally posted by 8baller8
So, the consensus is that 70k is good?
70k is good for O&G technical or field. For any other career, it's great.

[themack89]

Originally posted by Darkane


Power Engineer.

:love:

My impression of Power Engineer is learn how a plant works, control some valves, make sure no guages get above the red line or get below the blue line--if they do, control some more valves.

Am I close!? :burnout:

[georgemagana]

Originally posted by Darkane


Lol.

Very few people understand our positions, that's why is so funny.

It's mind blowing lol ! That's why I hate explaining what I do at work lol

[msommers]

I have no idea what a power engineer's job entails, so if it's so crazy can you explain it?

[mrsingh]

Originally posted by Sugarphreak


I started working for an O&G EPC when I was 19, I think I broke the 6 figure mark when I was around 23 just from the amount of overtime I was working. Formally without considering overtime I broke 6 figures at around 25 though.

Is that as a contractor or staff? I often get tempted to switch!

[HiTempguy1]

Originally posted by msommers
I have no idea what a power engineer's job entails, so if it's so crazy can you explain it?

It's not crazy, it's just a lot of work. And by that, I mean the hours. Typically you are on shift, which is part of the reason you get paid so much money, the other part being that it is critical for an operator to keep a plant running (when we're talking a hour of downtime is worth millions of dollars).

I don't mean that operators don't do anything though, they definitely earn their money and I'd never want to be one.

[Sugarphreak]

...

[mrsingh]

I feel that pain, I am staff in an overtime exempt position. As a junior I used to love racking the overtime at time and a half!

Being married and having a family now is kind of what holds me in a staff role versus switching to contractor, the 'perceived' job security it brings. :hijack: